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  • Son Donates Family House As Offering To Christ Embassy Church, As His Father Pleads For Reversal

    Son Donates Family House As Offering To Christ Embassy Church, As His Father Pleads For Reversal

    Culled from Citizens News

    A father has cried out for justice after his son donated the family house which they all dwell in as a seed to Christ Embassy in Warri, Delta state.

    It was gathered that their son, Shedrack, who resides abroad, returned to Nigeria last year and became very serious with religious activities which his family fully supported.

    It was revealed that in 2020, he sowed his car as a seed to the Church and his family members had no problem with it. Things, however, went out of hand when he recently decided to sow his family house to the church.

    Apparently, his family members were not aware that their home had been donated until the father noticed men going around to survey the property.

    When the father made enquiries, he was told the property now belongs to Christ Embassy and has been valued to be sold at 25 million Naira.

    The house was said to be built on the family’s land with every member contributing money to erect the building, however, it was learnt that Shedrack contributed the bulk sum.

    The family’s leader said he had written to the Senior Pastor of Christ Embassy who promised to take action, though nothing has changed since the notice was submitted over a month ago.

    Shedrack’s father, cousins and four tenants are said to be the occupants of the building.

    The father, in a statement, has called on the General Overseer of Christ Embassy, Chris Oyakhilome, to intervene because he has informed the police and gotten a lawyer, same as the church.”

  • Just In: Gunmen Attack Police In Obubra, Kill Six, Escape With Guns.

    Just In: Gunmen Attack Police In Obubra, Kill Six, Escape With Guns.

     

    By Admin

    Reports reaching The Lumine News say unknown gunmen “chanting IPOB songs”  attacked Policemen at two separate checkpoints in Obubra Local Government Area in Central Cross River state early hours of today, Wednesday March 3rd 2021.

    The attack occured at Ofatura where 2 officers were shot and killed while another 4 officers were also killed at Oyadama check point. All their arms were carted away by the criminals.

    One soldier was reportedly shot in the hand, he died shortly after the gun shut.

    Amb Iwasam Agbor also confirmed this to The Lumine News when he stated that his uncle was among the police officers who lost their lives to the criminals suspected to be IPOB members.

    This comes just as suspected terrorists killed four police officers in Calabar while on duty.

     

  • Re: Building The Cross River State Of Our Dream. Interrogating The Position of Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar: Facts Vs Farces

    Re: Building The Cross River State Of Our Dream. Interrogating The Position of Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar: Facts Vs Farces

    By Joe Obi Bisong

    For the sake of clarity and in-depth exposition, I would love to give a brief synopsis of the events preceding the Supreme Court Judgement that dealt a traumatizing blow on Dr. Steve Odey and the Governor’s minions.

    Sequel to the unfortunate demise of Late Senator Rose Oko, erstwhile Senator representing the Cross River State Northern Senatorial District, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed a by-election to fill the Vacant position at the Senate. The electioneering process saw two factions within the People’s Democratic Party, both laying claim to Winning the election. The PDP Primaries conducted on the *5th of September 2020* had produced Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as winner of the primaries monitored by INEC officials and conducted using the “AUTHENTIC DELEGATE LIST” as approved by the NWC of PDP and Dr. Steve Odey on the other hand claimed to have won the Primaries using another Delegate List. Consequently, both factions went to court seeking legal validation to their individual claim, fortunately for Rt. Hon Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the Supreme Court on the 25th of February 2021 struck out Dr. Steve Odey’s appeal against the judgement earlier delivered by a High Court and an Appeal Court in favour of Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe. This judgement incidentally became the last straw that broke the camel’s back and left Dr. Steve Odey’s camp perplexed, distraught and politically comatose.

    In view of the above, many political analysts, pundits, gladiators and Power Brokers have continued to give different opinions on the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgement, but I am very particular about interrogating the position of Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar as captured in the interview granted to Beatrice Akpala. In doing that, I would gladly x-ray the Facts and Farces as captured in the interview.

    FARCE 1: “Northern Cross River May Never have a Leader”

    FACT: The truth is, every great leader is a product of the People. The People decide who they want as their Leader. Power resides where men believe it resides, it’s a trick, a shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow, if he has the people with him. The People of Northern Cross River know their true Leader(s).

    FARCE 2: “The Conspiracy of Silence amongst Leaders of thought in Northern Cross River”

    FACT: To his Credit, Hon. Chris Njah Mbur-ogar admitted that His Excellency, Prof. Ben Ayade “attempted” carrying an all- inclusive decision making process in Northern Cross River but “ran into trouble”. This confession from Hon. Chris Njah Mbur-ogar further underscored the claim from some Leaders in Northern Cross River that the Governor has been unfair to them and has outrightly neglected them in the process of critical decision making. This could possibly be the reason for the silence on the part of the leaders of thought in Northern Cross River.

    FARCE 3: “External Interference”
    Hon. Chris Njah Mbur-ogar had accused His Excellency Chief Nyesom Wike, Governor of River State, of interfering in the political affairs of Cross River State in a bid to politically empower his friend and ally, Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Ojang Onor.

    FACT: The truth is, a bad workman always blames his tools. He blames everyone and everything but himself for whatever ill-fate that befalls him. Let me assume without conceding that Governor Nyesom Wike is actually interfering in the affairs of Cross River State, won’t that be tantamount to saying that the person piloting the political affairs of Cross River State is weak or docile? How well has the Governor played his politics in the State in carrying members of his political party along? Would there be need for external interference if there was no internal negligence on the part of the Governor?

    FARCE 4: Consensus Building
    Hon. Chris Njah Mbu-ogar had appluaded His Excellency, Mr. Liyel Imoke for introducing the principle of Consensus Building into the politics of Cross River State, which has given Cross River State relative peace.

    FACT: Admittedly, the principle of Consensus Building has given Cross River State relative peace but the big question is, how well has the Governor played his own role towards building a consensus? Can you build a consensus in insolation? How well did the Governor follow the principle of Consensus Building in bringing on board the various Local Government Chairmen/Chairwomen? How well did the Governor follow the principle of Consensus Building in trying to foist Dr. Steve Odey on the people of Cross River North. It is worthy of note to stress that Dr. Steve Odey admitted on National Television that the Governor handpicked him and asked him to run for the Senate. This is against the principle of Consensus Building.
    Sometimes, you need to take your enemy’s side if you are going to see things the way they do.

    FARCE 5: “Prof. Sandy Onor’s Gubernatorial ambition will destroy the Political Family in Cross River State”

    FACT: The truth is Senator Prof Sandy Onor is yet to make any declaration about running for the Governorship seat. Hence, it is wrong to place the cart before the horse. Nevertheless, let me assume that Distinguished Senator Prof Sandy Onor will contest for the Governorship seat, how will his running for the Governorship position destroy the Political Family in Cross River State? The issue of Zoning and Power Shift to Southern Cross River is highly insignificant at this moment. The zoning principle is the political arrangement of PDP as a political party and the party can still decide to zone it’s Gubernatorial ticket to any Senatorial District. Remember, the Party is SUPREME
    FARCE 6:
    POWERS OF GOVERNOR AS LEADER OF POLITICAL PARTY

    FACTS:
    Every Governor is indeed, the leader of the party he belongs to and what qualifies leadership is the ability to take responsibility and understand that a whole lot of good or bad events depend on your decisions, actions and inactions.
    FARCE 7:SEN LIYEL IMOKE’S LEADERSHIP

    FACTS:
    His Excellency Sen. Liyel Imoke is a fantastic politician and great in all perspectives but he too, is human and had his shortfalls and the consequences are factors that have laid a foundation for the avoidable crisis rocking the People’s Democratic Party in Cross River State now. A few, mismanaged issues led to the defection of the former Governor, H.E Donald Duke and Senator Victor Ndoma Egba who exited the party with his portfolio as Senate leader.
    Gov Imoke’s closest aides, the then Chief of Staff and his deputy, Sir Alex Egbonna and Jude Ngaji contested and failed elections and the former left the party to be later followed by his deputy after a second failed trial in the incumbent administration. A few of the myriad of good heads he had as appointees including a former speaker of the CRSHA who acted as Governor when Imokes election was annulled by the court contested and failed gubernatorial elections and exited the party as well. All these high profile defections gave prominence to Labour Party in the State. This dictatorial leadership style was what led to the hand picking of a governor in the person of HE, Ben Ayade as successor.
    Today, Hon Njar Mbu Ogar who at most partook as a chapter chairman during these events attempts to manipulate and arm twist the facts. Such impetus and negative audacity puts a question mark on his integrity.

    FARCE 8:
    Issue of Governor Ayade being undermined by the National leadership of the PDP
    FACTS:
    Contrary to what is being peddled by Hon Chris Njar Mbu Ogar about the Governor being undermined by the NWC of the PDP, indeed, Governor Ben Ayade is the most favoured PDP Governor in Nigeria despite his blatant disregard and noncommittal to the Party. He has never attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the People’s Democratic Party and has never held a successful Caucus meeting which comprises of All National Assembly Members, principal officers of State House of Assembly, some members of the State party exco and Board of Trustees, the only one he managed to put together ended like child’s play because he only called to inform party stakeholders about his choice for State Party Chairmanship yet. In the build up to Congress ,the National Working Committee gave him the sole responsibility of nominating members of the congress Committee to oversee the Ward and Chapter Congresses and after the same committee he selected went back with results, he started calling for a change as if the Party is a play toy.
    No serious party leadership will accept such demands.

    THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE PDP
    The People’s Democratic Party is founded on the following principles;
    – Consensus, where relevant party leaders sit and agree on certain vital decisions including zoning.
    – Strict Adherence to Zoning which is the consensus decision of the caucus.
    – Gender Sensitivity, where party leaders encourage balance in gender participation in party activities.
    – Qualification and Loyalty.

    From the three above, the party caucus finds qualified persons who have been loyal to the party and supports their aspirations.
    Gov Ayade has not kept faithfully, even one from any of these principles. Today, those whose counsel he preferred over sound reasoning are crying foul and looking for who to blame. There’s very little success, if at all, that anyone who builds a fence of sycophants around himself can achieve.

    FARCE 9:FEAR OF 2023

    FACTS: The energy they put into the fright of the outcome of 2023 should be used for sober reflection. 1Timothy 5:8 “any man who cannot provide for his household has denounced his faith and is worse than an infidel”
    Let it be on record that the likes of Chris Njar Mbu Ogar are the reason the crisis in Cross River State PDP degenerated to the level it is today.

    It is instructive to note that he Chris mentioned the fact that HE Sen. Liyel Imoke introduced consensus building at all levels as Governor of Cross River State. The idea of consensus building did not only bring about peace and stability in the polity, it also made him succeed as governor because respected leaders across board were widely consulted before major decisions affecting the state are taken. This gave them a huge sense of belonging and calmed frayed nerves.

    But today, we have a situation where the governor unilaterally takes decisions affecting the State without due consultation and not minding if there are consequences.

    Worthy of note also is the fact that it is not a crime to have a governor as a friend. Keep Governor Wike out of our self inflicted crisis.

    An attempt to pass the buck and make unguarded utterances rather than come by way of amendable statement will further polarize the system. Leaders must at all times surround themselves with followers who are honest enough to point out loop holes around them. Wrong advisors and praise singers constitute the major pitfalls of leadership because they tell you you are right even when they know you are wrong for the benefits.

    Senator Sandy is delivering excellently well on his mandate as Senator representing the good people of Cross River Central Senatorial District.
    Rather than take media space to play a script in support for Mr Ben Akak to foster his Deputy Governorship ambition ,Chris Njar Mbu-Ogar should do well to show the good people of Etung his achievements as member representing Etung in the house of Assembly. If only he would enlist this energy in service to his people, Etung LGA would be better for him.
    If I may ask, in what capacity is Hon Chris Njar Mbu Ogar acting as the spokesman of Cross River State politics if not for the usual delusions of grandeur and the bloated ego of a failed empire.

    Conclusively, while it is good for us to build a better and stronger Cross River State of our collective dreams, it is worthy of note to further stress that those who live in glass houses, don’t throw stones.

    God bless Cross River State!!
    God bless the PDP!!!

    HON (CHIEF)
    JOE OBI BISONG
    Director General Caterpillar Movement.
    Former Publicity Secretary PDP, CRS.

     

    DISCLAIMER: The Opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of Chief Joe Obisong and does not represent TheLuminenNews or its agent.

  • Ayade At 53: Hon. Bonny Ewhe Felicitates With Gov. Ayade, Hails His Leadership Impact.

    Ayade At 53: Hon. Bonny Ewhe Felicitates With Gov. Ayade, Hails His Leadership Impact.

    By Richard Abu

    The Executive Chairman of Obudu LGC, Hon. Boniface Eraye Ewhe felicitates with His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, the Governor of Cross River State on the occasion of his 53rd birthday anniversary and hailed his leadership impact on the people especially the good people of Obudu LGA.

    The Chairman made this known to newsmen in his office today, March 2nd 2021.

    Mr. Ewhe said at 53, his excellency has achieved so much that generations unborn will remember him for good. He hailed his industrialization drive especially his blueprint to make Obudu LGA a tourism and Educational hub of the state.

    “Looking at what we have on ground here in Obudu you would agree with me that in the nearest future tourist will troop in here through the Cargo and passenger airport either for leisure in the Ranch Resort or for healthcare at the referral hospital”

    “The British-Canadian University is another big achievement of his excellency that will boost the economic fortunes of the State and our LGA as it promises to offer high ranking courses in the health, agricultural and engineering sectors including robotics starting from September 2021” Said the Chairman.

    He  seized the opportunity to call on Cross Riverians from all walks of life, home and abroad to support and key into his excellency’s agenda of making Cross River State the industrial and economic hub of the country.

  • Director of Communication, Ogoja Diocese Gives Insight Into The Centenary Celebration.

    Director of Communication, Ogoja Diocese Gives Insight Into The Centenary Celebration.

    By Elijah Ugani

    The Director of Communication of the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Eroh in this interview, gave insight into the much talked about centenary celebration of the diocese of Ogoja.

    Below is the except of the interview.

    Rev. Fr. Emma Eroh is the parish priest of St. Joseph parish, Okuku and the Director of Communication of the Catholic diocese of Ogoja.

    Fr. Eroh gave a run down of the growth of the church from 1921 to date with the impacts created by the Church to include schools, hospitals and parishes spread across the diocese of Ogoja.

    On the significant of the centenary celebration, Fr. Eroh held that “The Centenary is the commemoration of the arrival of the missionaries in Ogoja in 1921, when our ancestors first received the good news and provided a fertile ground for the planting of the Catholic Church, from which it has grown into a diocese and in fact it has given birth to diocese of Abakiliki in 1978. We are celebrating these great moments and achievements in the entire diocese.

    “There are series of activities streamlined to mark the centenary. It was kicked off on the 2nd of February, 2021 with the lighting of the centenary candle by His Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. Donatus Akpan, Bishop of Ogoja Diocese.
    March next month, we will have a diocesan and parish retreat. His Lordship will be visiting various parishes in the 10 deaneries that makes up the diocese.

    “The climax will be in May, where they will be baptism of 100 candidates and confirmation of 100 candidates all drawn from across the diocese.

    “On the 12th of May, His Lordship will visit the correctional centre, orphanages, the refugees settlements, old catholic schools and aged catholic members who can no longer come to church.

    “The 13th of May will feature the wedding of 100 couples, while the the 14th of May will be a centenary lecture by Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, (Bishop of Umuahia Diocese) and Vice President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), lunching of a book that chronicled the achievement of the diocese as well the conferment of the tittle of Monsignori to deserving priests and papal and diocesan awards to some of the lay faithfuls who have contributed to the growth of the diocese.

    “The hallmark of the celebration will feature the ordination of Priests.

    On the growth of the church since inception, Fr. Eroh noted that “there have been a great transformation from that little seed sowed. St. Benedict Primary School, Igoli was established and parishes created, we have 89 parishes and 12 quasi parishes, what we call the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM).

    “The first indigenous priest was ordained in 1965, now His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ukpo Rtd. (The Emeritus Archbishop of Calabar). Today, we have over 120 priests in the diocese.

    “The Bishop in his ingenuity in collaboration with the priests, is developing the land for the building of a new cathedral as unanimously agreed by priests and lay faithfuls. In terms of health and education, we have hospitals and schools spread across the diocese. In communication, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Ukpo, the pioneer priest of the diocese, berthed the Message Newspaper.

    “Bishop Donatus came in with the new vigor and his drive for agriculture has led to the formation of Ogoja Diocesan Agricultural Investment Programme (ODAIP)”.

    When asked to juxtaposed the disposition of our fore fathers to the gospel with today’s Christians.

    Fr. Eroh averred that “We must thank our fore fathers who received the message and gave away their traditions to imbibe it and passed it on to their children. We must commend Christians in Ogoja diocese, that this seed that was planted has grown and is still spreading like wild fire up till now. Though there exist some challenges of Pentecostalism, were some Christians are in dare need of instant miracles and prosperity and other traditional practices, but we are not where we used to be”.

    When asked what Monsignori means in the church.

    Fr. Eroh held that “Monsignori is a title of honor conferred on deserving senior priests who have live creditable and impacted positively in the lives of Christians, and must be at least 65 years of age. It is conferred by the Pope through the nomination of the Bishop. Some of our very senior priests will be conferred with the tittle”.

    When asked to comment on the allegation of using TTC Ogoja as a take off for the proposed state Polytechnic, the communications Director stated that “I can confirm to you that there is no dialogue between the state government and the diocese in terms of turning TTC into anything Polytechnic.

    “What I can categorically say is that TTC is about being turned into an Institute of Health Management and Technology, work has gone far, consultation has been made, Provost has been appointed along with an Acting Registrar.

    “A Post Graduate Diploma programme affiliated to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is going on there at TTC.

    “We were going for a full flesh university, but when we checked our resources, we realized we were not going to be able to run a university, we were advised to begin an Institute that will later metaphors into a full flesh university”

    Fr. Eroh used the opportunity to call on Catholics especially and all Christians across the globe to join the diocese of Ogoja in this auspicious celebration. He assured that the celebration will be live streamed for those who will not make it to attend and in observance of the Covid-19 protocols.

  • Just In: Evang Margret Inde receives Governor Ben Ayade, As He Inspects Resort Project In Obanliku

    Just In: Evang Margret Inde receives Governor Ben Ayade, As He Inspects Resort Project In Obanliku

    By John Akpo

    The Chairman of Obanliku Local Government Area, Evang. Mrs Margaret Inde today, February 26th, 2021 played host to  Sen. Ben Ayade, Governor of Cross River State, as he inspects ongoing Ultramodern International Resort projects in Amunga and Busanfong Communities in Obanliku.

    Addressing the host communities, the Governor assured both communities that the project will have direct benefit to the people in job creation and aesthetic development for the area.

    He debunked insinuations that the project was for personal gains.

    On her part, the Executive Chairman of Obanliku LGA, Evang Mrs. Inde, thanked and appreciated the Governor for bringing such projects to Obanliku, which she noted that the LGA has played host as a Tourism destination, housing the well known Ranch Resort.

    Speaking separately, community leaders and Chiefs of both communities appreciated Governor Ayade and encouraged him through prayers for speedy completion of the project.

    They said the indigenes were already in full gear to protect both men and equipments for the project and conclude that even the Resort will be a life-changing opportunity for them.

    Highpoints of the occasion featured traditional dances, goodwill messages and appreciation from the governor.

     

  • FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

    FG Assures On Local Content In Installation, Development Of Solar Infrastructure

     

    The Federal government has assured that more local Engineers and experts will be considered in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba gave the assurances in Edo State on Thursday where he appeared as guest in the state’s Solar Engineers Exhibition exercise.

    The Minister said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects across all sector with the signing into law, Executive Order Five.

    He explained that the Order which became a law in 2018 is a testament to government’s efforts towards promoting development of local content in science and technology.

    According to him, “I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country.

    We came to Edo to commission a 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in Adebayo community, Ovia-South local government area. We worked with some local engineers for the installation of the project. Going forward, we’ll engage more of these local engineers as we continue to implement our policy on electrifying rural communities”.

    Also speaking, the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki thanked the Minister for the project in Edo as well as turning up for the exhibition exercise.

    He said that “I think the time to take the renewable energy more seriously is now. With the hike in electricity tariffs, in terms of costing, I think the renewable energy offers better bargain for Nigerians.

    “Although there’s a lot of electricity projects in Edo, there are still many villages that we need to electrify. I went to all the wards during the campaigns and there are a lot of villages that are yet to have light. I promised them light because our government is a government of light, therefore, we’ll partner with the federal government and Rural Electrification Agency to ensure they get light”

    He maintained that “Foundation to that is human capacity. As we can see, we have the people, we have the knowledge. As a government, we will partner and continue to support them. We have a site along Sapele road that we will establish Renewable Energy Hub. We have secured the funds and will start work there in 60 days”.

    Obaseki added that “in the area of clusters, we have secured funds from the CBN and Micro Finance Banks but we will need technical assistance from the REA to support our local Engineers. For us, as a government, anything they want we will give them to ensure they succeed.

    “I want to thank you for coming and hope that the next time you come to Edo State, you’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    On his part, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad explained that the government is working with the private sector to ensure proper maintenance of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    Ahmad said that “Government has adopted a model that involve working with the private sector to install and maintain the projects. It’s not like the government is installing and leaving the infrastructure like that, we’re giving grants to the private sector to maintain them. We have the Rural Electrification Fund, with Dr. Sanusi Mohammed Ohiare as Executive Director where we provide grants for developers”.

    Earlier, one of the solar Engineers, Chike Augustine appealed to government to reduce the barriers that delay the processes of getting clearance to invest in the sector.

  • BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

    BREAKING : Edo To Name Renewable Energy Centre After Jedy-Agba

     

    The Governor of the Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said that he will established a Renewable Energy centre to be named after the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba, OFR.

    Obaseki disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, Edo State capital during an exhibition exercise by Solar Energy Engineers in the state.

    He commended the Minister and the management of the Rural Electrification Agency for the 100KWP solar hybrid mini-grid power plant plant commissioned yesterday in the state.

    He said that “the foundation for the sustainability of renewable energy infrastructure is man power and I want to say we have the people, the knowledge and the will.

    We will partner the federal government and rural electrification agency to provide these young people with anything they need to succeed.

    I want to thank the Minister for coming and hope that the next time he will come, he’ll be coming to commission Jedy-Agba center for Renewable Energy”.

    Earlier, the Minister assured that the federal government will continue to promote and engage local Engineers and experts in the installation and development of solar energy infrastructure in the country.

    He said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has demonstrated commitment to local content in the planning and execution of projects with the signing into law, the Executive Order Five.

    He explained that “the Order five signed into law in 2018 has made it mandatory for local contents to be involved majorly in the planning and execution of all government projects and that’s what we have been doing.

    I’m very impressed with what I have seen here today and I can assure you that our government is very committed to not only creating enabling environment for these talents to thrive but we will partner with them in the planning and implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in the country”.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad disclosed that the government was running a programme where Indigenous developers are given grant to invest in developing their talents.

  • FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

    FG Inaugurates 1.35MW Solar Power Plant In FUPRE

     

    The federal government on Friday under its Energizing Education Programme (EEP), inaugurated a 1.35MW Solar hybrid power plant at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta State.

    Twenty (20) female students of the University, trained in renewable energy infrastructure under the implementing agency, Rural Electrification Agency’s (REA), Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme were issued graduation certificates.

    Commissioning the project, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege commended the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba and the leadership of REA for delivering what he described as a quality project.

    Omo-Agege called on the benefitting university to ensure appropriate maintenance of the property even as he said that renewable energy is a veritable solution to endemic power problems in Nigeria.

    In his words, “I want to thank my brother and friend, the Honourable Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy Agba for the leadership he showed in seeing to the successful completion of this project.

    “To the Managing Director of REA and his team, I thank you for delivering this quality project. Renewable energy is undoubtedly a veritable solution to endemic power problem in this country and I’m happy that Nigeria is gradually moving away from the conventional energy sources”.

    The Minister on his part said that the development highlights the federal government’s commitment and resolve to promoting the well-being of its people through the provision of safe, clean and reliable electricity.

    Agba said “the commissioning today comes at a time when there is a strong call for action on promoting safe and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse emissions. The Federal Government of Nigeria is fully committed to living up to this charge and has shown an demonstrated this commitment with this power project being operationalized today”.

    He maintained that “as the Minister of State, Power, it is my duty and responsibility to supervise activities of the REA and promote the growth and development of renewable energy technology in Nigeria through the agency. It is a function I take pride in and one I hold dear to my heart.

    In the disposition of these responsibilities, I have had the pleasure and honour to work and engage with various stakeholders within and outside the power sector, towards advancing the goal of increasing participation in renewable energy solutions in Nigeria. This project is part of that story ; a validation and celebration of all the efforts and contributions it has taken to bring us to where we are”.

    The Minister added that “this solar hybrid power project will enable this institution to improve its security, standard of living of the students, managements, staff as well as provide improved quality of education in a more conducive environment”.

    Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA, Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad charged the university management, students and staff to protect the property.

    He said that the project contains a world class “Workshop and Training Center. The 20 female STEM interns handed certificates today participated in the construction phase of the project”.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, the Deputy Senate President, minister and Management team of the REA for the project.

    While appealing to the federal government for more projects, he assured that as a University, centered on Science and Engineering, the project was in safe hands and would be properly utilized.

  • Mr. Peter Akpanke Congratulates Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom

    Mr. Peter Akpanke Congratulates Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom

    By Elijah Ugani

    One of the major supporters of Rt. Hon. Jarigbe Agom, Mr. Peter Akpanke code named (Peter the Rock) has congratulated the senator-elect, for his victory at the supreme court yesterday.

    In a release made available to The Lumine News, Mr. Akpanke noted that Jarigbe’s victory is a confirmation that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

    Mr. Akpanke described the tripartite victory at the (High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court) as unprecedented.

    The party stalwart noted that “Jarigbe’s emergence has opened a new chapter that envisage hope and libration for Northern Cross River in particular and the entire state at large.

    Referring to senator-elect, he noted that “I commend very sincerely your doggedness and resilience in the pursuit of what rightly belongs to you.

    “This is the beginning of the many good things that awaits you. You are a shining star and a leading example”

    Mr. Akpanke likened Jarigbe’s stolen mandate and the subsequent reclaiming of his victory to the mishap that befell Ziklag, when the Amalakites had raided Southern Judah, attacked Ziklag and looted everything. When David arrived, he sought the Lord’s permission to go after the Amalikites.

    In 1Sam 30:8 & 18. “David asked the Lord, Shall I go after those raiders? And will I catch them? And the Lord answered, pursue them, and recover everything” Verse 18 “David rescued everyone and everything Amalakites had taken”

    Mr. Akpanke averred that the success that is recorded throughout the sojourn can only be attributed to God’s benevolence and will. He commended the goodwill and prayers of all the supporters.

    He assured that the senator-elect will do his best to justify this mandate and the goodwill enjoyed from the people of northern cross river across party lines.

    The elated Mr. Akpanke used the opportunity to thank God who stood firmly by him and all those who believed and championed the emancipation of cross river northern senatorial district.